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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It is natural as a parent to have many questions about the organisation that your child is considering joining. Below are some of the more common questions that are asked. However should you have questions which do not appear below please contact your local Squadron Commander who will endeavour to answer your questions.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Although the RAF provide funding for accommodation, uniform and many activities the Air Cadet Organisation provides many more activities and opportunities which have to be financed by Squadron fund raising and through cadet subscriptions. Typically each cadet will pay between £6 and £10 per month in subscriptions. Some activities will also incur a charge, a week long camp on a UK RAF station will typically cost between £40 and £50 which includes all food, lodging, transport and activities. An overseas camp will cost more and is dependant on the cost of the flight. Some weekend events where food and accommodation are provided also incur a charge, typically £10. Many activities including flying, gliding and shooting are totally free. The uniform is also on a free loan basis. You will need to provide footwear however there are many military stores and online retailers (see our Links page) who provide discount to members of cadet organisations.
WHAT AGE CAN MY CHILD JOIN? Cadets can join from their 13th birthday. However some activities do require the cadet to have reached an older age e.g. they must be 13 1/4 to go flying, 14 years to undertake full bore shooting.
WHY DO CADETS WEAR A UNIFORM? The Air Cadet Organisation is a military youth organisation affiliated to the Royal Air Force. They therefore wear the same uniform as Royal Air Force personnel while they are on cadet activities.
WILL MY CHILD BE EXPECTED TO JOIN THE ARMED SERVICES? In short, no. While some cadets go on by their own choice to join the military there is no expectation for them to do so. However their experience and training as a cadet is held in high regard by many civilian employers so being a cadet can be an advantage regardless of their career choice.
WHO SUPERVISES THE CADETS? All staff are volunteers who dedicate their time for the benefit of the cadets. Staff are vetted and security checked as well as receiving training to allow them to supervise cadets. Staff running activities will be fully qualified in that activity. Squadrons are commanded by officers commissioned in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch) and assisted by other officers and uniform Non-Commissioned Officers and non-uniformed Civilian Instructors.
WILL MY CHILD BE EXPECTED TO JOIN THE ARMED SERVICES? In short, no. While some cadets go on by their own choice to join the military there is no expectation for them to do so. However their experience and training as a cadet is held in high regard by many civilian employers so being a cadet can be an advantage regardless of their career choice.
CAN I BE INVOLVED? In short, yes. Parents are welcome to assist regardless of whether they have any cadet or military experience or not. If you only have a small amount of time to spare becoming a member of the Squadron's Civilian Committee will be of benefit to the Squadron who need a committee to manage their funds while you will hear reports on what the cadets have been up to. If you have a bit more time you can apply to join the squadron staff as a Civilian Instructor. For more information see the dedicated pages on the links on this page.
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